Maladaptive daydreaming is a psychological problem that causes one to waste away abnormal, extreme amounts of time doing nothing but daydreaming. It has disrupted the lives of many, but it can be fought.

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Steps

Method 1 of 2: Understanding the Condition

1

Be aware that many physicians do not recognize that MD exists. It is just being researched, but much documentation exists online for those who have the problem.

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2

Check for the signs. Do you daydream almost excessively (i.e. could you waste away entire hours doing nothing but daydreaming?) Do you start performing what one webmaster termed "fantasy planning" (making unrealistic plans about what to do in fantasy situations)? Have you noticed that you pace the floor or perform other activities almost compulsively (rocking in a chair, tapping your foot)? If so, you may have maladaptive daydreaming.

3

Understand the difference between maladaptive daydreaming and schizophrenia. A schizophrenic often believes their daydreams are real and will see, hallucinate, the elements of their daydream. Someone with maladaptive dreaming understands the difference between fantasy and reality, they simply have trouble stopping daydreaming and focusing on regular tasks.

4

Do not be alarmed if your daydreams are quite complex. Those that truly have maladaptive daydreaming often have fantasies that are comparable to a novel or a movie plot.

5

Find the source of the problem. Abuse at a young age is common in those who experience maladaptive daydreams. Children accept whatever knowledge is passed onto them by authority figures, positive or negative. As an adult, those who experienced abuse at a young age still might expect harsh judgment. You might subconsciously expect to be disrespected, which leads to subconscious thoughts. These inklings can eventually develop into full fledged daydreams.

6

Begin to recognize triggers. Triggers are activities that you perform which cause the daydreams. Having maladaptive daydreaming shows a high proneness to fantasy. Some external factors that can cause you to start daydreaming include playing video games, listening to music, watching TV and movies, or reading books. Some internal factors are being lonely, tired, stressed, or hungry. You do not have to avoid these things completely, not all of them can be, but you should limit your exposure to them. At the very least, when you first start daydreaming try to take notice of what caused it. Recognize that you are daydreaming because you are sad/just finished a great movie/whatever.

Method 2 of 2: Finding Help and Solutions

1

Set small goals. Unfortunately the whole world does not stop because you would rather be daydreaming. Give yourself small, attainable goals. If the goal is too big it will be all the easier to give up and keep on daydreaming. If you need to clean the whole house, start just by wiping off the mirror in the bathroom or putting the dirty clothes in the hamper.

2

Accept the unknown. Focus on what you are aware of. Fantasizing about what people are thinking is not healthy nor is it practical. Nobody never truly knows what others think about them unless specifically told.

3

Pay Attention. Keep track of your senses throughout the day. When eating something, appreciate the flavor the food gives you. When listening to music, focus on the beat and rhythm. When talking, keep a solid train of thought and don't let your mind wander. If you dedicate your full attention to something, drifting off becomes less and less of a possibility.

4

Don't look back. Wishing what could have been is the easiest path to long daydreams. Try to avoid thinking about what you want; stay focused on reality and what is currently unfolding in front of you. Set small goals for yourself and complete them. Savor the satisfaction of getting these things done, rather than visioning scenarios that are not reachable.

5

Consider seeing a psychiatrist or therapist. Since MD is not well researched at this point, they may not have heard of it. But you will have the opportunity to talk to someone about it and work through your problems, which in turn may help bring the daydreaming down. Many people are embarrassed to be in therapy, but remember there is nothing wrong with getting the help you need.

6

Be kind to yourself. Inner relationships are very important to beating maladaptive daydreams. If you don't want to be with yourself, no one will want to be with you. Every time you drift off into la-la land, you're leaving yourself behind. If you won't spend the time to fix yourself, no one else will.

7

Don't give up! You will have good days. You will have bad days. On the bad days it may seem as though you have done nothing at all to help yourself. Remember that you have done things to help yourself and accept that just because you have a bad day or slip up doesn't mean you've failed. Just keep moving forward.

8

Research for more information. There is a website with lots of information about Maladaptive Daydreaming, including possible treatment options, the title of the site is: Are You Daydreaming Your Life Away? This is one of the best known and oldest sites about Maladaptive Daydreaming on the internet.

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Tips

There is a site called Wild Minds where you can discuss your MD with other people who have it.

Don't let anyone tell you you aren't normal or your crazy. This is a common disorder. People who are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD are some of the most prone. This disorder is most commonly brought on by trauma. You only need to seek help if you can no longer function.

Sharing your problem with others may help you to conquer your problem or may help them to understand. But be careful about who you tell. See Warnings for more information.

Warnings

You may have read this article and assumed that you have this problem. Realize that most people afflicted with MD cannot perform tasks in a day, and some of them cannot easily get out of the bed. Merely enjoying daydreaming does not qualify as MD, but it show a lack of focus and attention. Fortunately, this is easy to fix.

Never ever turn to alcohol or drugs. Not only are they dangerous, with MD being high or drunk, or coming down from being high or drunk can trigger more daydreaming. It is very easy for a maladaptive daydreamer to become addicted while trying to stop the daydreams.

Never begin to doubt your sanity. This is a minor psychological disorder, and be careful to avoid blowing it up.

Consider carefully before sharing your problem with anyone. Some people do not believe Maladaptive Daydreaming exists, and if you tell everyone you know it will only come off as you wanting attention.